Why wouldn’t they eat? It’s because they’re built to live off the fat supply they worked so hard all fall to build. Those in our research pens at college would voluntarily reduce their intake and lose weight, even though we offered them food ad libitum (like a buffet bar always available). For the most part, northern deer are in a negative energy balance all winter long. Whatever they eat, it’s a break-even proposition at best in terms of the energy they expend to stay warm and survive. The reason I said “pseudo-gorge” earlier is because deer have evolved to eat very little this time of year. For related scientific papers, click here or here. With the snow gone, they also re-gain access to hardwood browse, leftover acorns, dead dry leaves, etc.–which allows them to build up the necessary bacteria to digest the hay and corn. It’s because in this case the deer are not eating those things only. _The reader asks why this doesn’t happen during those brief periods when the snow melts and deer regain access to pasture or waste corn. So the deer fill their stomach on the hay or grain alone and can get sick or die from it (rumenitis). People usually feed deer at a time when snow is deep and there aren’t many other foods available. This is a shock to their digestive system, and, as the reader says, they don’t have the living bacteria to digest it. Here’s the deal, according to Ross, whose Masters degree just so happened to focus on winter deer feeding in northern New Hampshire: When people feed hay or grain, winter deer tend to pseudo-gorge themselves on the new food source. However, during mid-winter thaws hereabouts, I constantly observe deer foraging in meadows for hay and waste corn. Apparently, deer can starve with full stomachs of hay. Some states may consider it baiting therefore, research your state law specifications.Because you asked, Douglas, and because it’s a fine winter blog topic, I shot an email over to wildlife biologist, QDMA Programs Manager, and friend Matt Ross, regarding winter deer feeding on hay and grains.įor anyone who didn’t see the comments on the last post, Douglas asked: Biologists have stated that it is wrong to feed deer hay and grain during the hard winter months because they are in browsing mode and do not have the correct bacteria in their digestive tracts to digest the grain and hay. When feeding peanut butter to deer, ensure it is legal in your area. You can also do this with shelled peanuts, but the way is to use a gravity feeder. When feeding deer with unshelled peanuts, pour them in a heap on the ground. If you touch any deer feed and the deer catch a whiff of your scent, they may avoid the food altogether. Directly feeding deer from the farm ensures you interact with the crop as little as possible. They will even overcome their shyness and get close if you throw the nuts on the ground close to you.Īlso, if you wish, you can let the deer eat peanut foliage from the farm. In no time, the deer will prefer peanuts over other legumes.ĭeer used to peanuts will eat them however way you serve the peanuts. If they are unfamiliar, dress different feeds with peanuts, then gradually increase the peanut ratio. The best way to feed deer with peanuts depends on whether they are familiar with the legume. If there is adequate rainfall, you can feed them to deer. They will therefore need the fat and proteins.įor the best foliage, perineal peanuts such as the Florigraze and Arbrook in the spring are preferable. During this period, the deer are preparing for the harsh winter conditions. The best time to feed deer with peanuts is during the fall or early winter. What is the Best Time of Year to Feed Peanuts to Deer? Generally, peanuts can grow in any habitat where deer thrive at a particular time of the year. Calories 161 Carbohydrate 4.6g Protein 7.3g Fat 1.4g Fiber 2.4 g Folate 68 msg Do all Deer Species Like Eating Peanuts?Īll deer species like peanuts however, the Whitetail deer is more fond of peanuts than other species like the Roe. The table below shows the essential nutrients deer get from peanuts. The major nutrients in peanuts are proteins and fat.
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